Lawmaker fears proposed gas station too close to creek

A state lawmaker says Tops Markets' plan to build a gas station at its store at Grant and Amherst Street is a bad idea.

Assemblyman Sean Ryan says a gas station could pose a serious threat to the nearby Scajaquada Creek, which runs into Lake Erie. Ryan is demanding a full review and environmental impact study.

"This is a unique situation because of the proximity to the creek. It's right there. They're building this on top of the creek and we need to make sure that if in fact they do build something, that it's designed with the notion that they are next to a creek bed," Ryan said."

Scajaquada Creek runs alongside the Tops on Grant Street

Credit WBFO News photos by Eileen Buckley

"We need a little precaution on the front end to get our data to make sure that we're not looking at a crisis 20 years down the road."

Ryan is calling on the Department of State to conduct the review, not the DEC, saying Buffalo's 1977 Coastal Zone Management Plan should protect the waterway.

The proposal is before the city Planning Board, which could allow the project to go forward without an impact statement.